Jameson Hartford and his wife, Abigail, return to their home in South Carolina to claim his inheritance, the Serenity Plantation, where he is determined to free all his workers and put an end to the evils of enslavement. He encounters hostility and hatred from family, friends, an entire community, and even his wife, as he steadfastly holds to his beliefs. Through the ordeal, he meets and falls in love with Delilah, one of his female workers, which further complicates the volatile situation.

Outnumbered and alone, he must sacrifice everything as he attempts to liberate Delilah and her people, facing confrontations, treachery, and even betrayal, culminating in a final deadly showdown between precious freedom and extreme prejudice.

A Northern Rebel is a romantic adventure that touches on human emotions and forbidden love amidst the rich backdrop of the old South at the onset of the Civil War.

Excerpt

Jameson tossed and turned until the wee small hours of the

morning, unable to fall asleep. His thoughts were filled with the

events of the day: Abigail, Bethany Sue, and especially Delilah.

He felt guilty about Abigail and shocked by Bethany Sue but

couldn’t get Delilah out of his mind. She suffered so much at the

hands of unscrupulous men. He decided to rise, get dressed, and

go down to slave row to be sure she was all right. He carefully

opened the bedroom door, and being reassured that Bethany Sue

was not there, he crept along the wall and down the stairs, finally

reaching the main door. He turned the knob and pulled the door

open, letting the hot, moist air engulf him.

He started down the path then suddenly stopped, wondering

what he would say to her. Would she think he was coming to take

advantage of her, to hurt her like his brother did? He decided this

was not such a good idea and it would be in his best interest to

go back to the house. He turned to retreat but was stopped by

a voice.

“Mista Jameson?”

He turned around to see Delilah standing there; looking

absolutely beautiful bathed in the pale moonlight.

Startled, he began to ramble. “Lilah, I couldn’t sleep. I was

concerned, I mean, worried about you. I wanted to be sure you

were all right. You were so sad. I wanted to say again how sorry

I was.”

She walked toward him.

He kept on speaking. “Abigail left me. She thought you and

I… Well, uh, I mean, she’s gone back to her mother.”

Delilah said softly, “I know. I saw her leave.”

He continued nervously, “I want you to know that you

never have to fear me. I would never hurt you or force you to do

anything you didn’t want to do.”

Delilah looked seductively into his eyes and whispered, “You

wouldn’t be forcing me.”

Jameson, confused for a second, did not know what to make

of this beautiful brown woman. He stuttered. “Are you saying, I

mean, that you… and I, that is, you would—”

She softly spoke. “You’re the first white man who ever talked

nice to me or even treated me with any kindness. You saved me

from that horrible Mista Slycott, and you care enough about me

and my people to give us our freedom, even though it puts your

life in danger. You’re the most wonderful person I ever met.”

She leaned in close to him and pressed her moist, soft lips

firmly yet gently on his. He did not hesitate and kissed her in

return. She tasted so different yet so delicious. They looked deep

into each other’s souls; she could see the desire in his eyes, he

could read the need in hers. They would never forget this moment

for the rest of their lives.

Delilah joined her hand into his and slowly led him into

the barn. They crawled onto a pile of hay and began to kiss each

other passionately. She started to unbutton his shirt. He, in turn,

removed her dress. They fell into each other’s arms and gave into

the temptation and the lust. They wanted each other badly.

He ran his hands up and down across her young body, touching

her first with his fingers and then with his lips. She returned the

affection with eager anticipation, exciting him more and more with

every touch—caressing, hugging, and kissing so deeply as they united

their two bodies in love. It was a love neither one of them understood,

but that didn’t seem to matter, as his lighter tan skin and her darker

brown skin blended together into a beautiful shade of brown. Their

state of ecstasy grew stronger and stronger, finally releasing all the

pent up fear and anxiety in the beauty of the moment.

Then they lay exhausted yet content in each other’s arms,

enjoying the forbidden love each one felt for the other. They

were lost in the moment and did not care about the time until

they heard the rooster crow. Reality was calling them back. They

hastily got dressed. He couldn’t resist a last kiss before letting her

leave, hoping this was not the end. They made no promises to

each other, for they both knew the risks and perils of their tryst.

However, he just couldn’t erase the big grin he had on his face as

he made his way back to the house. They couldn’t help turning

around, looking back at each other and smiling one more time,

wishing the moment did not have to end. He could still taste her

sweet scent in his mouth and vowed to himself to preserve the

memory for as long as possible until he could taste her once again.

Delilah was also smiling and dreaming of a love she knew

could not be. She slowly sauntered back to slave row only to find

the other slaves in turmoil.

About the Author

John J Schaffer has always enjoyed writing. He graduated college receiving a BS degree majoring in Marketing, with a minor in Psychology. Working in advertising for various major pharmaceutical and industrial corporations, he created, wrote and produced a wide range of promotional materials and literature for dissemination to physicians and sales representatives, winning several AGA awards for his works. He has a vivid imagination for creating memorable characters and situations, being able to bring an original idea to life. This is John’s first novel, and he is currently working on the equally exciting sequel to this fascinating and poignant saga. John plays guitar and also writes songs, receiving accolades for his original compositions while being a part of a rock group in the 70’s. He has also played and sang at church services during that time period. John was born and grew up in Elizabeth and currently resides in Old Bridge Township, New Jersey.